Steelers to Retain Entire Defensive Staff

Mike Tomlin will keep his defensive coaching staff in tact for the 2018 season.

Mike Tomlin will keep his defensive coaching staff in tact for the 2018 season.

A team source has told Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that Tomlin has told his defensive staff that they are safe for the 2018 season. Pittsburgh’s defensive staff includes defensive coordinator Keith Butler, defensive line coach John Mitchell, defensive backs coach Carnell Lake and linebackers coaches Joey Porter and Jerry Olsavsky.

The Steelers defense finished the regular season first in the NFL in sacks (56), third in total yards allowed (306.9 yards), fifth in pass defense (201.1 yards), seventh in points allowed (19.2 points) and 10th in rush defense (105.8 yards).

Pittsburgh’s defense was not able to carry their regular season success into the postseason, however, as the Steelers allowed the Jaguars to convert on 8 of their 14 third downs attempts while rushing for 164 yards and three touchdowns. They also allowed Blake Bortles — a week after he threw for 87 yards in the wild card round — to throw for 214 yards and a score in Jacksonville’s 45-42 victory in the AFC divisional round.

The Steelers’ coaching staff made more news earlier in the day, as offensive line coach Mike Munchak reportedly turned down a second interview request to be the Arizona Cardinals’ next head coach.